Ukraine war briefing: Allies give nod for Kyiv to reproduce their air-defence missiles

Key Points:

• European G7 countries and the US are set to license Ukraine-based companies to produce long-range missiles and air defence systems to replenish Ukraine’s military supplies amid dwindling stocks, with Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighting current production shortfalls.
• G7 leaders expressed renewed unity in increasing pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, noting a significant shift in the US approach under Donald Trump, who acknowledged Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate peace and recognized Ukraine’s resilience.
• Taiwan is enhancing its civil defence capabilities by promoting drone literacy inspired by Ukraine’s experience, reflecting concerns over growing military threats from China.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is attending an EU summit in Brussels amid preliminary talks between EU officials and the Kremlin, while Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni advocates for a single EU envoy to manage diplomatic contacts with Russia to avoid confusion.
• Ukraine plans to request an additional $20 billion in military aid from allies at the upcoming Ukraine defence contact group meeting, while the EU intends to extend refugee protections for Ukrainians, with possible exceptions for military-age men; meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of a drone strike on Belarusian schoolchildren, a claim denied by Ukraine.